Ssdi and addiction

thickntired · Jan 16, 2014, 10:37 AM

So I'm freaking out today. My new pdoc put cannabis and alcohol addiction in my paperwork. So I have bipolar add addiction ptsd and major depressive disorder. During the oral interview I didn't mention any problems with drugs, and I've been sober a year next Monday.

Does anyone know if this could kick me off Ssdi??? I've heard they say well your addiction caused xyz mental illness. I was in a hospital where they took blood and no drugs were found. That was almost a year ago. I just don't know what I'd do if I was kicked off. I take so many meds.

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Hellion · Jan 16, 2014, 10:57 AM

Hmm, well if you haven't even been using cannabis or alcohol perhaps you should discuss having your pdoc correct that error or perhaps look into finding a new one that could. I am not sure if you'd be kicked off or not....from my understanding not nessisarily, but still your medical records should reflect that you aren't using cannabis or alcohol not imply that you are not only using them but addicted.

As far as I can tell drug use in medical records and SSDI/SSI is a somewhat complicated issue. If worst comes to worst and you did get kicked off maybe there are options to appeal the decision though you'd likely want to get an attorney for that. Hopefully others here will have a bit more knowledge on this topic and better advice.

Perna · Jan 16, 2014, 11:25 AM

You're fine:

Quote:

Drug addicts or alcoholics cannot be considered "disabled" on the basis of that diagnosis alone; on the other hand, a diagnosis of drug addiction or alcoholism should not have an effect on a disability evaluation that is adverse to the applicant. Drug addicts and alcoholics are subject to all the ills that may affect any other applicant. Drug addiction and alcoholism are diagnostic terms; they do not denote impairment value or severity. It is necessary to evaluate the severity of the impairment which may be associated with, manifested by, result from, or coexist with these diagnoses.

From: SSR 82-60

thickntired · Jan 16, 2014, 04:13 PM

Thank you, Perna

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nottrustin · Feb 05, 2014, 09:24 PM

Since I work on the psych and detox units of our hospital I call you many of our patients have medicare.

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